Alternator

[olyolson]

I have an RV-4 with an IO-360 and I'm starting to get some electronic noise through the intercom system. I installed a noise filter but it didn't seem to do much. Could this be the initial indications of an alternator wearing out? If so, does anyone have one available? If not, which brands are do you guys recommend?

[mcencula]

Alternators are pretty simple. You might check the brushes for wear / length and check to make sure the slip rings are still round (not oval). Other than that, if it's working, I would suspect something else. The regulator should be a solid-state device that will typically fail completely (although not always).

[deene]

Also, check the alternator diode bridge...a failed diode will increase the noise level on the output of the alternator.

[frankh]

I use automotive plugs on the bottom with a Pmag and find that after about 100hours my radio gets noisy.

replace plugs (too cheap to bother cleaning them) noise gone.

FWIW.

Frank